It’s the end of an era at Manchester City. Kevin De Bruyne, one of the club’s greatest-ever midfield maestros, is preparing to say goodbye after a decade of brilliance. The Belgian superstar is expected to play his final game for City this Sunday against Fulham – a moment that will surely tug at the heartstrings of fans around the world.
A Hero’s Send-Off at the Etihad
De Bruyne was given an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week following City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude as supporters cheered for a player who has helped transform the club during his time in Manchester.
Although he had previously announced his departure at the end of the season, the reality is starting to sink in. And for De Bruyne, this goodbye is anything but straightforward.
Not Entirely His Decision?
In recent interviews, De Bruyne hinted that leaving Manchester City wasn’t completely his decision. He made it clear that he still feels capable of performing at the highest level. And let’s be honest – who would doubt that? Even in his 30s, De Bruyne remains a world-class talent capable of dictating play like few others can.
Now, it appears he’ll have the chance to prove that point in one of Europe’s most passionate football environments.
Napoli Calling: A Fresh Start in Serie A
According to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, De Bruyne is set to sign with Italian giants Napoli within the next two weeks, once the Premier League season wraps up. It’s a bold and exciting move that could shake up Serie A.
Napoli, who have been eyeing a return to European dominance, seem like a great fit for a player of De Bruyne’s caliber. While he was also linked with a move to the MLS—particularly Chicago Fire—his ambition to remain in Europe’s top leagues appears to have guided his choice.
The Contract Hurdles: Money Talks
While Napoli may be keen, there’s one obvious challenge: De Bruyne’s salary.
At Manchester City, De Bruyne earns an eye-watering £400,000 per week—roughly £20.8 million a year. That kind of paycheck is far above what most Serie A clubs can afford. To put things into perspective, the highest-paid player in Italy right now is Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, earning around £315,000 per week. Napoli’s top earner? Romelu Lukaku at about £125,000 per week.
So, if De Bruyne is serious about heading to Naples, he’ll likely need to accept a significant pay cut. But given his love for the game and desire to keep competing at the highest level, it’s a sacrifice he may be willing to make.
What’s Next for KDB?
Kevin De Bruyne’s journey with Manchester City is coming to an end, but his story is far from over. Whether it’s delivering pinpoint passes in a new league or inspiring the next generation of players, De Bruyne’s influence on the game will continue.
As fans, we can only wait and watch – with admiration and maybe a few tears – as one of football’s finest begins a new chapter in Italy.
Stay tuned as we follow his next steps, and don’t forget to check back for updates on the official move to Napoli!